Sailing through the season without all the coughing, sniffling, aching and fever is indeed a remarkable feat. But given the situation where we are all in - stress, pollution, the inclement weather and other environmental factors - it seems impossible for us to keep ourselves from contracting various diseases throughout the year. Well, most of us don’t know the secrets on how to never get sick but there are simple ways to protect ourselves from the threats of illnesses. Here are a few ways to help keep your immune system working.

Have a breath of fresh air. Most parents would advise their children to stay at home to prevent contact with disease-causing germs and elements. But it's also true that staying inside the house brings people closer to other people and the germs they carry. It's important to have a break and inhale some fresh air outside by strolling around your neighborhood. This could help boost your immune system in fighting diseases.

Relax. When stress overwhelms you, you could be more susceptible to catch a cold. Glucocorticoids, the stress hormones are constantly released when you feel tired and exhausted. To keep your body healthy and to improve your immunity, consider taking care of yourself by relaxing, getting ample sleep, exercising and eating nutritious foods.

Wash your hands regularly. Most viruses and bacteria are transmitted through touch, so you need to maintain your hands’ cleanliness at all times. Master the science and art of washing the hands properly to get rid of germs that could cause sickness. After washing your hands with soap and water, make sure to dry them with a clean towel.

Start a regular exercise routine. Regular exercise helps the body to get rid of stress, achieve a relaxed mind and strengthen the immune system. Take pilates sessions or a martial arts lessons to wash the stress within you away and attain a more peaceful mind and healthier body.

Watch your mouth. Experts say regular gargles with an antiseptic mouthwash could improve oral health and fend off sickness. Having healthy teeth, gums and tongue is a sure way to stay disease-free.

Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. The slogan, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” may sound cliché but health experts claim this is still true because quercetin, a natural antioxidant found in red apples, green tea and broccoli, boosts the immunity. Load up your daily diet with nature’s bounty and you'll be on your way to a sickness-free year.

Overcome stress. When you worry about getting sick, the more it will get you. Stop scaring yourself with things that are not yet happening. Since constant worrying increases the levels of stress hormones such as epinephrine and cortisol, your body’s immunity will be weakened. Fight stress with activities that make you happy and productive and take time to rest for a while when your work is becoming too exhausting.

Pop a vitamin. All around the world, there are epidemics of vitamin deficiencies such as in vitamin D and vitamin C. Take the doctor recommended supplement and keep your defenses up. Vitamin D can be found in eggs, milk and salmon while vitamin C can be obtained from citrus fruits and green vegetables.

Think positive. About life, that is. It’s “mind over matter” and since a positive attitude increases the level of nitric oxide, a substance that balances neurotransmitters, your immunity will be improved.

Take time to meditate. To improve physical, mental and emotional health, try doing some meditation and breathing exercises. These could help clear your mind and put yourself at ease. Your muscles will also be relieved of tension and you will be free from stress.

Be more sociable. When you mingle with people, your immunity is boosted and you are less likely to acquire diseases. This is because you tend to have outlets of emotions and you have people to share your joyful moments too. People with many friends tend to live longer and are also less likely to have heart diseases, some experts claim.

Don’t get green with envy when you see your coworkers who don’t get sick. You can also achieve what they have achieved in terms of health. Just remember to check out the list in case you forget the ways to stay free from sickness.

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Statements made about specific vitamins, supplements, procedures or other items sold on or through this website have not been evaluated by eVitamins or by the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. As always, please consult with a licensed doctor or physician before starting any diet, exercise or supplement program, before taking any vitamin or medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a problem.